Caring for Wooden Countertops

Natural wood can be a great choice for your kitchen countertops.  It’s warm, rich and inviting–and there’s nothing like running your hand over a beautifully finished wooden countertop. But alluring as that sounds, you may be hesitating to choose wood, fearing an excessive amount of upkeep and maintenance.

If wooden countertops are what you would really like, we say: go ahead. Something that will give you pleasure everyday is worth the little extra attention it will need. Here are some tips on how to care for your wooden countertops:

Keep your countertops clean and dry.  Wash them immediately after use with a little soap and water and then wipe dry. Avoid setting wet items on the counter for long periods. Do use coasters under drinking glasses, and trivets under hot pots.

Use a chopping board. Unless you are willing to live with scratches and dents that may be difficult to remove, it is best to use a chopping board on top of your wood countertop.

Avoid spilling vinegar. If it does happen, wipe up it up instantly. Vinegar is acidic enough to dissolve the glue in the wood and cause it to weaken and split.

Use a mineral oil every month or so. To keep your wood countertops lustrous and improve its resistance to stains, rub its surface every 1-3 months with a generous amount of food grade mineral oil. Do not use any oils that may turn rancid, such as cooking oils.

Dealing with scratches and stains. Every couple of years, it may be a good idea to sand down your wooden countertop, taking the opportunity to get rid of deep scratches and cuts, then reapply a protective coat of marine-quality sealer. It’s easy enough to do this yourself particularly if your countertop was only sealed and not finished with a wood stain.

A little goes a long way. With good daily care, your wood countertops can give you many years of use and pleasure. If you are ready to invest in a custom made wood countertop, or just need more information, contact us.